Gift ideas include “Holiday Everyday” Spa Packages and MedSpa Packages. Photo: Hiatus Spa + Retreat, used with permission.
Christmas is only a few days away, which means everyone is searching for the perfect gift to make their loved ones feel special. Hiatus Spa + Retreat has holiday offerings for anyone on your list who loves getting pampered. (Hiatus Spa + Retreat, 2022)
Holiday Everyday Hiatus Bundle: available now – December 31 Mix and match any Aroma, Scrub, Butter and Wash to receive a FREE Knot Today Muscle Cream + Holiday Gift Tube. Offer valid only in-spa, with promo code “HoliM” for Members and “HoliNM” for Non Members, when you scan those 5 select items (Aroma, Scrub, Butter, Wash, Knot Today Muscle Cream), $90 ($164 value)
MedSpa Holiday Packages: Hiatus is excited to introduce their MedSpa holiday gift packages this year for the first time ever, including the following:
Holiday Bliss 4 Vials of Sculptra (2 treatments ) + 50 units of Dysport with a FREE SkinCeuticals Advanced Firm Kit* $2,983.50 ($3,646 value) Available at: Dallas-Inwood Village, Dallas-The Hill, Plano and Frisco
Kysse Me Under The Mistletoe 1 Syringe of Restylane Kysse + Dysport Lip Flip (10 units) with a FREE Hiatus Everyday Ornament* $686 ($819 value) Available at: Dallas-Inwood Village, Dallas-The Hill, Plano, Frisco and San Antonio
All I Want For Christmas 4 Vials of Kybella + 64 units of Botox with FREE SkinCeuticals Advanced Firm Kit* $3,100 ($3,853 value) Available at: Dallas-Inwood Village, Dallas-The Hill, Plano, Frisco and San Antonio
Dear Santa 2 Skin Pen Microneedling Services with a FREE SkinCeuticals Gold Standard Kit* $598($912 value) Available at: Dallas-Inwood Village, Dallas-The Hill, Plano, Frisco, San Antonio + Austin
With eight locations across Texas, eight years on Inc. 500’s fastest-growing companies, and an innovative spa subscription model, Hiatus Spa + Retreat is a fresh kind of full-service spa that has changed the wellness industry. Powered by products with real green ingredients and a high-touch experience, Hiatus’ personalized approach to wellness is driven by the view that regular relaxation should be an empowering part of a healthy, happy lifestyle.
Events include story time with Mrs. Claus and annual NYE Black Eyed Pea Cook Off. Photo: William Chris Vineyards, used with permission.
William Chris Vineyards is a winery in Hye, Texas that features a visitors center, contemporary tasting rooms, and a patio café. The winery frequently hosts events and with the holiday season in full bloom, these are some of the events scheduled. (William Chris Vineyards, 2022)
The event will feature letters to Santa Claus, Cookie Decorating Station, Storytime with Mrs. Claus, Christmas Carols, and a Christmas tree for pictures. Guests can sip on Grinch Punch, hot chocolate or indulge in their chocolate fountain, plus much more. Wine and bottle service will be available throughout the event as well. Reservation is requested and can be made online.
The annual Black-Eyed Pea Cook-Off is a New Year’s tradition that draws WCV fans. Join us for a Southern-style celebration and help us crown our 2022 champion on Saturday, January 1st, 2023 at 1p.m. All tickets include; A New Year’s toast with our winemaking team, barrel tastings, a meal by the WCV in-house culinary team, wine tasting tickets, an exclusive WCV Black-Eyed Pea t-shirt, a sampling of all black-eyed pea dishes, one vote to cast for your favorite dish, and live music throughout the event.
Tickets can be purchased here for $50 (kid tickets: 21 and under for $12) If interested in entering your black eyed pea dish, contestant entry costs $75 and will include a greeter wine, plate of food & T-shirt. Contestants will be expected to arrive at 10a.m. to start cooking. There will be trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ordered plus cash/wine prizes including:
1st – $500, Case of Wine
2nd – $250, 6 Bottles
3rd – 4 bottles of wine
Additionally, William Chris Vineyards began their new dinner experience, Supper Club, taking place weekly at the Hye Tasting Room
Join WCV in-house culinary team weekly for an expertly crafted dinner experience paired with Texas wine. Chef Daniel Todd is preparing a new menu each Wednesday and is inviting you to this Hye dining experience. Dinner includes glasses of William Chris wine that are hand selected to pair with the courses served. All wines featured will be available for purchase at the dinner.
REASONS TO LOVE THIS EXPERIENCE: The moment you pull off Highway 290 onto the William Chris grounds, you cannot help but be in awe of the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country. From the simple charm of our original farmhouse to the modern tasting room surrounded by an active vineyard – all elements of our property are beautifully suited to their terroir and expressive of our reverence for the past and vision for the future.
It began in the Hill Country as a collaboration between William “Bill” Blackmon and Chris Brundrett; one that is based on a shared winemaking philosophy and a vision of the Texas wine industry’s capabilities. Bill and Chris agree that excellent wines are not made, but grown in the vineyard. They also believe that wine should be inspired by the pleasure that is shared with an extended community of friends and family over a bottle. Today, William Chris Vineyards continues to reach for a level of quality that represents the very best of Texas in each new vintage. It is with confidence in our process and pride in our team, community, and the special place we call home, that we inscribe each bottle of William Chris Vineyards wine with this greeting: We are pleased to share a piece of our world.
Celebrate the holidays with Krause’s Café & Biergarten at their ugly sweater party and contest. Courtesy photo, used with permission.
Krause’s Café & Biergartenis excited to announce its Ugly Christmas Sweater Party and Contest happening on Thursday, December 15 from 6p.m. to 9p.m. sponsored by Lone Star Brewing. Guests are encouraged to come decked out in their ugliest Christmas sweater to compete for a chance to win a Lone Star Beer swag basket. The winner will be announced at 7:15p.m. Texas-based band Midnight River Choirwill perform throughout the evening. (Krause’s Café & Biergarten, 2022)
Lone Star beer specials will also be available during the event and the festivities will continue with the annual New Braunfels Farmers Market Christmas Market taking place on the property. Attendance is FREE and open to the public.
Krause’s Café & Biergarten 148 S Castell Ave New Braunfels, TX 78130
Krause’s Café & Biergarten is a New Braunfels historic restaurant opened in 1938 and successfully run until 1995. Today, Krause’s Café honors the previous traditions of the restaurant with the addition of a ‘Biergarten,’ live music, and more. The menu reflects New Braunfels’ German heritage as well as South Texas flavors. Over 100 beers are available on tap with local, regional, and international options. The restaurant also features cocktails and wines on tap. Krause’s Café is located at 186 S Castell Ave, New Braunfels, TX 78130, next to the popular New Braunfels Farmers Market.
Lone Star Brewing Co., the makers of Lone Star Beer “The National Beer of Texas” and Lone Star Texas Light Beer, has been proudly brewing beer in Texas since 1884. Since its founding, Lone Star has partnered with local communities throughout the state, supporting Texas-specific charities and organizations. Lone Star Brewing Co. is owned by Pabst Brewing Company, one of the largest independently owned American brewing companies.
Photo: Krause’s Café & Biergarten, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine’s pecan pie. Photo: Bakery Lorraine, used with permission.
Bakery Lorraine is ready for the holiday season and they have some new menu offerings that are sure to be the envy of every holiday party. Their specialty items include Bûche de Noël, specialty apple pies, whiskey pecan pie, and more. No masterpiece is made instantly, so their specialty desserts will require at least a 72 hour advance notice. Their delectable desserts are available for takeout to share with family and friends at home and you can check for availability and order online or you can call a location directly to place an order. (Bakery Lorraine, 2022)
December 2022 Menu:
Redberry Tart (December fruit tart) – Vanilla mascarpone filling with fresh raspberry
Chocolate Caramel Tart – Caramel filling topped with a chocolate ganache and mini chocolate macaron
Mocha Tart – Coffee mousse, Irish cream and salty caramel, enrobed in a chocolate almond magic shell
Rum Cake – Sour cream cake, heavily soaked in rum glaze and topped with gold flakes (does contain alcohol)
Gingerbread Man – Spicy gingerbread cookie dipped in dark chocolate
Opera Cake- Almond sponge soaked in an espresso-brandy syrup, layered with chocolate ganache and coffee buttercream
Red Velvet Cake – Layered with a light cream cheese frosting
December Macaron Flavors – White chocolate peppermint, caramel apple, angel food, eggnog, pistachio, raspberry, chocolate, earl grey, dark chocolate cassis, and gingerbread
Bûche de Noël (Available December 12 – 24) for $48 – Black forest Christmas log: Tart cherries, vanilla mousse, chocolate sponge cake soaked in a spiced kirsch syrup *decorative mushrooms may vary*
Apple Cranberry Pie (Available December 12 – 24) for $28
Dutch Apple Pie (Available December 12 – 24) for $28
Whiskey Pecan Pie (Available December 12 – 24) for $26
Bakery Lorraine will also feature the following macarons throughout the month of December:
Pistachio
Earl Grey
Raspberry
Angel Food
Cassis
Eggnog
Chocolate
Caramel apple
Peppermint
Gingerbread
Hazelnut
Orange Dark Chocolate
Bakery Lorraine is a San Antonio favorite and nationally recognized pastry shop famous for its colorful macarons and exquisite French pastries. Owned by chefs Anne Ng, Jeremy Mandrell, and operator Charlie Biedenharn, Bakery Lorraine was named one of the best new bakeries in the U.S. by Food & Wine as well as one of the “13 Destination Bakeries” by Conde Nast Traveler. Bakery Lorraine serves handmade French pastries and macarons using the finest ingredients. The bakery serves an all-day menu including items like its Croque Madame, the quiche Lorraine, an assortment of salads and soups, and artisan sandwiches. Bakery Lorraine has four locations in San Antonio including one in the Historic Pearl district, one in the Medical Center, one in the RIM shopping center, and one inside The DoSeum. Bakery Lorraine also has an Austin location at the Domain Northside, and their newest location is located in Boerne.
This year’s events include a special shopping event, a festive mariachi showcase and the 8th annual Chanukah at Pearl celebration. Photo: Pearl, used with permission.
Pearl is excited to announce this year’s holiday programming. In addition to the Wednesday Holiday Night Markets in December, Pearl will also host a holiday shopping event featuring artisan gifts, exclusive promotions, extended hours and more, as well as the property’s 8th annual Chanukah celebration and a new, festive mariachi showcase. (Pearl, 2022)
“From our beautiful holiday lights, Christmas tree, retail specials and restaurant offerings, combined with some of our most cherished annual traditions, like Holiday Night Markets and our Chanukah celebration in partnership with Young & Jewish San Antonio, Pearl is always a special place for friends and family to gather and celebrate during this season. This year, we are also thrilled to celebrate with a new Canciones de Navidad mariachi music showcase.” – CEO Mesh Milsap
See below for specific information on Pearl’s 2022 holiday programming:
Tastemakers – Thursday, December 8, hours vary per shop Various locations throughout the property This year, Pearl is encouraging its guests to support local businesses with a holiday shopping event featuring hand-picked gifts, exclusive promotions, extended hours, and more from retailers like Curio, Niche, Larder, LeeLee, The Twig, Adelante, Feliz Modern, Rancho Diaz, The Tiny Finch, Dos Carolinas, Ruby Road Gems and Ten Thousand Villages. Select retailers are making shopping easy with curated gift ideas for him, her, kids and more throughout the shops.
Some of the specials from the retailers include: • Feliz Modern: 10% off carts over $150 • Larder: 15% off beer and wine • Niche: 20% off full priced merchandise • Ten Thousand Villages: Spend $50 and get a tote for free • Rancho Diaz: 10% off carts over $150
Canciones de Navidad – Thursday, December 15, 6:30p.m. to 9p.m. 1100 Springs Plaza This year, Pearl is introducing a new mariachi music showcase called Canciones de Navidad (The Songs of Christmas). The mariachi concert will feature the festive musical stylings of Mariachi Azteca de América, Guadalupe Cultural Arts Mariachi Academy, Mariachi Oro from Burbank High School and Mariachi Hacón from Harris Middle School. Guests can expect to hear familiar holiday songs and enjoy light snacks and drinks from La Gloria and Chilaquil in 1100 Springs Plaza.
Chanukah at Pearl – Wednesday, December 21, 6p.m. to 8p.m. Shade Structure (located near Boiler House) Pearl is excited to host the 8th annual Chanukah at Pearl celebration this year in collaboration with Young & Jewish San Antonio, Rabbi Eli Block, musician Yaakov Chesed and Chef Jason Goldblum. On the evening of Wednesday, December 21, guests are invited to gather at Pearl to enjoy the lighting of the menorah and a special message from Rabbi Eli Block. Guests will also be able to experience traditional Chanukah music and kosher foods including matzah ball soup as well as some south Texas favorites like churros and tamales. Mayor Ron Nirenberg will be in attendance to give special remarks. The menorah at Pearl will be on display at the shade structure from December 18 through the 26.
The County Line Community Band will be performing a holiday concert this Sunday December 11, 2022. Photo: Google
Coming up this weekend is the County Line Community Band’s Christmas Concert “Holiday Magic” on Sunday, December 11,2022 at 3p.m. Get in the holiday spirit and enjoy some festive holiday music. The concert will take place in the beautiful Buena Vista Theater on the UTSA Downtown Campus. The concert will feature dances from the Nutcracker Suite, “ ’Twas the Night Before Christmas,” a special guest narrator, and much more. This concert is free and open to the public. Parking is free at the Cattleman’s Square parking lot across the street from the theater. Come out and support community music in San Antonio. (County Line Community Band, 2022)
The CLCB is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit and our mission and endeavor is to create an environment whereby our all-volunteer organization can further their musical education and enjoyment through the performance of concert and symphonic music, to further the efficacy of music as an integral piece of the culture of the local community, to advocate for the synergistic integration of music education, to work with our cultural partners in our communities for the advancement of the arts and to be a source of pride for our members and the communities we serve.
Meet Cowboy Claus and have free western holiday fun at the Briscoe’s Cowboy Christmas event this Sunday. Photo: Briscoe Western Art Museum, used with permission.
Unwrap Western fun and meet Cowboy Claus at the Briscoe Western Art Museum’s annual Cowboy Christmas, 10a.m. – 2p.m., Sunday, December 4. This year’s Cowboy Christmas falls on the museum’s monthly “Locals Day,” when the Briscoe greets locals with free general admission. Cowboy Christmas is also free, making the Briscoe the perfect way to enjoy holiday fun and make memories with your family. (Briscoe Western Art Museum, 2022)
Cowboy Christmas features a day of family fun exploring the museum with holiday crafts and visits with Cowboy Claus onsite 11a.m. – 1:30p.m. Families are welcome to snap pictures with Cowboy Claus, while a special 12 Days of Christmas scavenger hunt will lead you through the Briscoe’s fantastic collection. Christmas crafts, including ornament making, will give everyone a bit of the West to take home and of course, a stroll through the museum’s McNutt Sculpture Garden is the perfect path to enjoy the River Walk and all of its holiday beauty.
Everyone enjoying Cowboy Christmas can also get wild while they are at the Briscoe thanks to the museum’s fall exhibition. The museum is a photographic zoo featuring 40 of the renowned nature photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen’s most resonant photographs. Thomas D. Mangelsen – A Life In The Wild takes viewers on a journey across the West and around the globe. One of the most prolific nature photographers of our time, Mangelsen is an award-winning photographer whose images have been exhibited internationally and published in iconic mediums such as “National Geographic,” “Good Morning America,” and “60 Minutes.” The exhibition is open to the public through January 29, 2023, and is included in general admission, making it free for locals to enjoy on Locals Day.
To show how friendly the West is and to thank the San Antonio community for its continued support, the Briscoe Western Art Museum makes the first Sunday of each month “Locals Day,” greeting locals with free general admission. Bexar County residents can enjoy Cowboy Christmas and Locals Day by registering online.
Not a local? The Cowboy Christmas fun is included with general museum admission. As always, children 12 and under receive free admission at the Briscoe, as do active duty members of the military, making the museum a terrific spot for families to add to their holiday plans. Active duty military families receive half-price admission when accompanied by their active duty family member. Year-round, retired and former members of the military also received discounted admission.
The first weekend of each month is also Bank of America Museums on Us, allowing Bank of America, Merrill Lynch and U.S. Trust cardholders to gain one free admission to the museum. Through Museums for All, recipients of SNAP, WIC, and MAP receive free general admission to the museum through Museums for All.
For everyone looking to fill their gift lists, the Briscoe’s Hendler Family Museum Store features something for everyone on your list. Shopping the museum includes holiday finds, home décor, and gifts for men, women and children that are not available at traditional retailers. Something sure to be popular in Cowboy Claus’ bag of gifts this year: gift memberships to the Briscoe. Share the wide open spaces of the West – and all of the art, heritage and programming of Briscoe – with someone special on your gift list by giving them a museum membership. Membership includes free and discounted museum event admission, exclusive member events and so much more, all on the banks of the River Walk.
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio presents The Children’s Nutcracker and Holiday Market, a magical holiday extravaganza. Photo: Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, used with permission.
An enchanting tale filled with all the magic of the holidays, Tchaikovsky’s The Nutcracker has been captivating the hearts and minds of audiences for decades. This timeless story of a young girl whose beloved doll comes to life and takes her on wonderous journey has inspired many a young dancer to take the stage and has fostered a love of the arts in the young, and young at heart. (Children’s Ballet of San Antonio, 2022)
This year, the Children’s Ballet of San Antonio will return to the Lila Cockrell Theatre to present a Broadway level production of this favorite holiday family tradition. Combining immersive and interactive elements each performance is an event that includes shopping, sweets, and Santa. With a condensed 1.5 hour run time, it will keep event the youngest theatregoers engaged.
The fun starts from the moment guests enter the theatre and discover themselves in a festive holiday market where they can browse the extensive selection of dress-up items, including tutus and Sugarplum Fairy wands, Mouse King swords, as well as home décor including ornaments and, of course, nutcrackers. Hair and makeup stylists will be on site to offer magical makeovers transforming little ones into regal royals for a glittering good time. Key cast members from princes to queens, and fairies, along with Santa himself, will be on hand for photos on a first come first served basis. Because no holiday is complete without treats, there will be plenty of holiday fare including cocoa, holiday cookies and other seasonal favorites along with hot dogs, mini-burgers, and popcorn.
Award-winning dancers and a talented array of young performers share the stage for this production filled with dazzling costumes, multimedia integrated scenery, and even an interactive surprise or two for the audience members. More than just ballet, The Nutcracker celebrates the traditional dances of cultures around the world, showcasing a variety of disciplines and talents including vocalists, actors, gymnasts, special needs artists and more. CBSA founder and former Prima Ballerina Vanessa Bessler, leads the talented youth who range in age from 3-19 and include internationally acclaimed classical dancers alongside gifted special needs artists. A seven-time Youth America Grand Prix Outstanding Teacher Award winner, Bessler created CBSA to serve as a gateway for young artists interested in pursuing a professional dance career. The elite artists have had the privilege to train in some of the world’s best academies including the Royal Ballet School in London, the Bolshoi Ballet in Russia, and the School of American Ballet in New York City, to name a few. Through recognition, awards, and scholarships from the most prestigious ballet competitions and schools in the world for many of its dancers, CBSA has elevated San Antonio to the world stage, making it a strong player in the arts world.
Friday, December 9, 7p.m. Saturday, December 10, 2p.m. Saturday, December 10, 7p.m. Holiday Market and Photos with Santa and cast opens one hour prior to showtime.
The Lila Cockrell Theatre 200 E. Market Street San Antonio, TX 78205 Tickets are available online.
Admission proceeds and holiday market profits directly benefit CBSA in fulfilling its mission to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds. Donations from the event will benefit dance scholarships for special needs and underserved youth, as well as the transportation and organization of several hundred Title 1 school students to attend each performance. Funds also go to the production costs of theatre, costumes, lights, and special effects that allow these dancers to perform in San Antonio’s top theatres in professional productions as part of their professional level training.
The award-winning Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) is an authentic, professional-level ballet company that produces professionally staged productions showcasing San Antonio’s most talented children. Dancers are selected by invitation or audition. The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio is a nonprofit organization 501(c)3.
The Children’s Ballet of San Antonio (CBSA) seeks to inspire the pursuit of excellence and prepare children for productive and creative lives through dance by offering extensive training and performance opportunities for talented children from all backgrounds.
JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa offers Thanksgiving events for a family friendly holiday, West Texas Style. Photo: JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, used with permission.
The scenic JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa has some Thanksgiving getaway programs coming up. The family owned and operated, 13,000-acre Texas Hill Country retreat invites families and loved ones to give thanks with outdoor experiences, world-class Texas BBQ, and the chance to make long-lasting memories. (JL Bar Ranch, Resort & Spa, 2022)
Their programming and offers are as follows:
A Hill Country Thanksgiving Feast: On Thanksgiving (November 24), the JL Bar Ranch will host a family-style dinner featuring traditional Texas ranch favorites with sophisticated flair. Resort guests and locals alike can select from three separate seatings at 11a.m., 1p.m. and 4:30p.m. for their Thanksgiving feast, featuring a Chef-attended carving station with smoked turkey, sage butter basted roast turkey, and rosemary and garlic sirloin; crowd-pleasing and decadent buffet featuring over a dozen sides like bourbon orange glazed ham, sweet potato casserole with pecan crumble, roasted butternut squash and brussels sprouts with applewood smoked bacon; an assortment of festive holiday desserts; and more. Price: $59.95 (guest rate); $79.95 (non-resort guest); half-off for kids 12 and under.
Outdoor Adventure: Embrace the crisp November weather with the resort’s robust outdoor activities, from hiking and horseback riding to 3D archery.
Laid-Back R&R: Book a seasonal spa treatment at The Spa at JL Bar for the ultimate relaxation during the holiday. Fall spa specials include an Appe Body Scrub, Autumn Massage, Harvest Facial, and Fall Foliage Mani-Pedi.
A Multi-Gen Villa Escape: The stunning Archer’s Nest Villais an ultra-private retreat within the Ranch: this beautiful ranch home has 7 bedrooms & 6 bathrooms, a gourmet kitchen, a swimming pool with a slide, an outdoor kitchen & BBQ pavilion, home theater and more (private chef and butler options are available).
Take Care of Holiday Shopping Early: Stop by JL Bar Ranch’s General Store to tackle holiday shopping before the seasonal rush, with JL Bar coolers, apparel, hunting gear, and more.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk will be having their next Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters on Tuesday, November 8, 2022. Photo: Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, used with permission.
Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk is having two big events in November. The next Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters will take place on Tuesday November 8 and a special multi-course meal so guests can watch the Ford Holiday River Parade along the Riverwalk on Friday November 25, 2022. (Thompson San Antonio – Riverwalk, 2022)
Cosmic Night at The Moon’s Daughters, which takes place whenever a full moon lands each month, will return on Tuesday, November 8 for November’s Beaver Moon. The second full moon of fall was named the Beaver Moon by Native American tribes because of how active beavers are in mid-fall as they prepare for winter. Hotel guests and the public can enjoy live music, insight from a tarot card reader, and a specialty cocktail paired with a cosmic coaster. The cosmic coaster adds a flair of entertainment where guests will have the chance to scan a QR code, receive a prompt to think of questions, followed by unique insights, and conclude with a positive affirmation. The Moon’s Daughters is the best way to experience the full moon overlooking San Antonio’s skyline.
The 41st annual Ford Holiday River Parade returns on Friday, November 25, kicking off the holiday season the day after Thanksgiving with performers, live music, and decorated parade floats that light up the city. The hotel’s signature restaurant Landrace from James Beard Award finalist Steve McHugh will feature a special multi-course menu that evening and a reserved seat to the parade along the illuminated Riverwalk. The first course will feature Roasted Squash Soup and for the second course, choose from Slow Cooked Prime Rib or Pan Seared Trout. Lastly, top the meal off with a Warm Apple Crumble accompanied by Dulce De Leche Ice Cream. Tickets are available online.
SA Examiner 